On your marks!

By Gilbert Wandera

The 17th African Athletics Championships was officially launched by Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

It was a launch befitting a an athletics powerhouse as current and retired athletes turned up to give the event coming to Kenya for the first time a thumbs up.

Also in attendance at the elaborate function at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, on Thursday, were several corporate sponsors who are expected to open the purse strings to support the event to be held from July 28 to August 1, next year, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Prime Minister promised that the Government would support the event.



PM Raila Odinga, AK chairman Isaiah Kiplagat (partly-hidden) and David Okeyo launch the African Championshiops logo. Inset, Paul Tergat at the function. Photos: Jonah Onyango

He said hosting such events helps a country develop its infrastructure and gave an example of Japan and Mexico whose development were inspired by the hosting of the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games. The
PM brought to the fore his deep knowledge of athletics, which he served in various capacities in the 1980s when he recalled some glorious moments.

Lasting legacy

The Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer David Okeyo said they intend to hold an event that will leave a lasting mark.

The committee chairman Isaiah Kiplagat said the team has a shortfall of Sh100m in their budget.

He said: "We are grateful to the Government for giving us Sh 200m. We still have a shortfall and appeal to sponsors to come on board and support us."

Kiplagat promised that all top African athletes will turn up for the Championships considering that it will be used to pick the African team for the 2011 World Championships.

"We are appealing to fans to turn up in large numbers. We expect to have a very strong field of African athletes who will be here to fight for a place in the African team for the World Championships," said Kiplagat who is also the Athletics Kenya chairman. Kiplagat challenged the Government to be supportive whenever associations bid to host such events by developing the country’s infrastructure and communication system.

Former five-time World Cross Country champion, Paul Tergat, who was among the country’s elite athletes at the event pleaded with organisers to select retired athletes in some of the committees for the event.

"It gives me a lot of pride and a sense of patriotism when the country is preparing to host such a prestigious event. It is a momentous achievement for this country," he said.

"I want to urge Athletics Kenya to consider having former athletes serve in committees for organising the event since they have a lot to offer," said Tergat.

Sports Assistant Ministers, Kabando wa Kabando and Wavinya Ndeti represented Minister Hellen Sambili.